SAN ANTONIO – The UTSA cross country team is three meets into the 2019 season. Before UTSA's next meet in College Station on Oct. 19, get to know a few of the Roadrunners student-athletes. Today, learn all about senior Olivia Flores, a native of Del Rio, Texas!
Flores has competed in a pair of meets to open the 2019 camapign, including a 13th place finish in the 4K at the season-opening UIW Opener on Aug. 30. Flores, a product of Del Rio High School, also ran at the Lakefront Invitational last weekend in Chicago.
At what age did you begin running competitively?
OF: I started track at 14-15 and at 17 I started focusing more on distance running.
Why did you start running competitively / under what circumstances did you begin focusing on the sport?
OF: I started running competitively because I thought I might be good at running longer races and everytime I saw improvement, it became a hobby and stress reliever.
What is your earliest memory of distance running?
OF: Junior year of high school, when I was slow!
Who is your inspiration in competition and why?
OF: My teammates motivate me to be the best running I can be.
Who is a former collegiate or professional athlete whom you admire?
OF: Emma Coburn, because she never looks down on her races, always making sure she learns from little mistakes. That is what makes her such a good performer.
What family members have made the biggest impact on your life and why?
OF: My mom, Leonor Torres, and my sister, Bernice Flores have had the biggest impact in my life, growing up with a single parent has made me the selfless, independent person I am today. My dad, Javier Flores has always pointed me in the right direction when it comes to making smart decisions.
What are your team and individual goals at UTSA?
OF: My goal is to make top 30 at conference and fall into the low 18's. Our team goal is to get a top-five finish.
What is your academic major?
OF: My major is criminal justice. I always knew I wanted to work for the government as a lawyer but recently it started to become a more clear picture.
What are your career goals and why do you have an interest in pursuing that particular career?
OF: My long-term goals are to become an FBI agent. My short-term goals are to work in customs and border protection. I want to experience a lot of travel and have a rewarding job at the same time. Protecting America is one of my goals.
What do you enjoy doing outside of running and school?
OF: I enjoying learning and reading books.I love to draw, paint and listen to music.
What is something most people might not know about you?
OF: I used to be a really dedicated cheerleader and was almost able to throw a full (layout) but focused on running because it was better.
What would you most like to be known for as a UTSA student-athlete?
OF: I would like to be known as a leader and someone people can look up too. Someone optimistic and hard working.
What advice would you give to a young athlete who would like to one day be in your shoes?
OF: To get off social media and make time for more important things like taking care of yourself, treating yourself and to appreciate your small accomplishments.
- UTSA -
